In 2006, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe opened the first 20 eco lodges in the Sierra Nevada for a program called “Fostering Families,” which helps the families that were highly affected by cocaine production. Now, the government promotes eco tourism throughout the Sierra Nevada in places that families feared walking for fear of landmines surrounding coca fields, like Parque Nacional Tayrona near Santa Marta, which also has some of the most pristine beaches.
These days, focus more on whale watching rather than watching out for drug smuggling. Most eco lodges in Colombia have package, sometimes all-inclusive, deals that can be arranged through travel agents. Look for packages that specialize in relaxation, whale watching, surfing, scuba diving, bird watching, fishing or jungle walks. The Chocó region along the Pacific Ocean provides some of the best choices for super environmentally friendly eco lodges. Pijiba Lodge near Nuqui offers transportation in a glass-bottom boat. El Almejal in El Valle really focuses on conservation and teaching. (Climb up the whale watching tower.)
Taste the organic fruits grown in the garden at Playa Koralia, on Colombia’s Caribbean side, but leave the laptop at home, or it could be confiscated. They’re serious about being one with nature.
Also, check out: El Refugio de Mr. Jerry, Lodge Piedra Piedra, Hotel Kipara, Finca Raval Jardín Ecológico, El Cantil or Estado Natural.